Essential elements for a Celtic-inspired Midsummer ritual are a wooden wheel, fallen branches and firewood, multicolored candles (and also torches, if you can acquire them), multicolored ribbons, food and drink, and flowers for garlands. This ritual should be performed outside, ideally on a hill or mountaintop at dusk. Call the local fire department to verify the fire laws in your area. You will likely need a special permit to light a bonfire, and certain areas may be restricted. Always clear the grass and brush away from your fire area, and make sure to dig a shallow pit into the ground. Circle the pit with rocks to help mark the edge of the fire pit as well as to contain the accidental spread of fire. Have a fire extinguisher, a pail of sand, and water bottles nearby in case the fire gets out of control. One person not directly involved in the ritual who is designated as the fire-tender should be on hand to watch the fire at all times; be sure to find a constant and observant volunteer for this quiet yet vital duty. Make sure the fire pit is far enough away from surrounding trees and other landscape features to allow room for a group to dance around it.
Lay the wooden wheel down in the circle of stones, and arrange the fallen branches and firewood around the edge of it. The wheel represents the turning of the year, and the sun on its daily and yearly cycle. Tie the colored ribbons on the nearest tree. While these preparations are being made, the priestess to lead the ritual should meditate in the area where the ritual will be held, focusing on connecting to the goddess. The gathered celebrants should weave garlands of flowers while the sun slowly sets. Just before the sun vanishes completely, the priestess should direct participants to ready their candles, or even better, torches. The priest lights them, declaring:
The fire festival is begun.
Under this longest day of the sun.
Let us go forth and make merry.
The god and goddess are here!
All say:
Blessed be!
The priest leads the celebrants into the circle where the priestess waits and directs them to throw their torches and candles in the bonfire. The priestess raises her arms and invokes the Goddess:
Great Earth Mother and Lady of the Forest,
be with us here and now!
On this night the Goddess reigns supreme.
On this, our Midsummer’s night!
All say:
Blessed be!
All should dance in the direction of the sun (clockwise) around the fire, raise their arms, and clap and shout for joy for as long as they want. When people begin to tire, it is time for the feast. The priest directs the blessing of the food:
Blessed Lady of the Forest,
Old gods of the animals, spirits of the wild,
bless this food and drink,
that it may strengthen us in your ways.
All say:
Blessed be!
Everyone should share in the refreshments and eat, drink, and make merry. Another round of dance and song is in order. When the bonfire has turned to ash, the priestess declares the ritual to be over and says:
Our revelry this day is done, dear one.
Gods of the old and spirits of nature,
we thank you for your blessings this night.
This rite is done.
All say:
Blessed be!
Make certain the fire has completely gone out before you leave the ritual site. Soak the ashes with water and clean up the site. Always leave a natural area cleaner than you found it.
